‘Edgy’ Tim O’Halloran: Who are the area’s midseason player of the year candidates?
Now that we’re approaching the halfway point of the regular season in IHSA prep football, its time to check in on who I feel are worthy candidates for player of the year within the Daily Herald coverage area.
Some time ago we declared this season the Year of the Quarterback, both locally and statewide. So it should be no surprise that several of the candidates are quarterbacks.
Montini Catholic senior QB Israel Abrams
The Miami Hurricanes commit and five-star ranked recruit by Rivals has again lived up to the hype so far in 2026. Friday was proof positive that Abrams can just take control of any game at any time when he rallied the Broncos to a 47-42 win over Nazareth Academy. Abrams scored all seven touchdowns (four passing and three rushing) while making big play after big play. His scrambling ability allows him to extend plays every time he drops back to pass, and his arm talent makes opposing defenses have to cover the entire field for much longer than expected.
Hersey senior QB Jake Nawrot
The Kentucky commit also has lived up to the recruiting hype so far this season. Nawrot has impressive early stats (73 of 107 passes for 1112 yards with 14 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions) in leading the Huskies to 4-0 start. His overall confidence, patience in the pocket and ability to place the football anywhere on the field is exceptional.
Maine South senior QB Jameson Purcell
Purcell, who has been committed to Indiana since July of 2025, has continued to play high-level football and win games for the Hawks. So far this season he’s thrown for 843 yards and 11 touchdowns
Geneva senior WR Bennett Konkey
Konkey, who committed to Illinois earlier this summer, has been impressive while catching 20 passes for 581 yards and 8 touchdowns this season while averaging an impressive 29 yards per catch. Not to be outdone, Geneva senior QB Ben Peterson (Eastern Michigan commit) has completed 50 of 70 passes for 1105 yards and 12 touchdowns with just one interception.
Batavia senior QB Michael Vander Luitgaren
Vander Luitgaren, a Wyoming commit, has been terrific for the Bulldogs. He’s completed 87 of 116 passes for 1201 yards with 14 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His ability to read the field and deliver a consistently accurate ball — along with his scrambling ability — are high level.
Downers Grove North senior ATH Kevin Jay
Jay has been a truly versatile player over the last few seasons for the Trojans. He has played running back and quarterback, and has been equally effective at either position. Jay also wants to play defense according to head coach Joe Horeni, but so far it's just offense for Kevin Jay.
IC Catholic Prep senior QB Nathan Lang
Lang has picked up right where he left off from the 2025 season. He’s completed 66 of 92 passes for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns. So far Lang has done a great job building on his junior season when he passed for 2429 yards and 28 touchdowns.